Taking the field under a superior organization strengthened by reinforcements, and proudly confident in the skill and resources of its commander, the allied army penetrated Spain in May, to turn the French positions on the Douro. The FIFTY-THIRD formed part of the force under Lieut.-General Sir Thomas Graham (afterwards Lord Lynedoch), which proceeded through the mountainous regions of the Tras-os-Montes, and passed the Esla river, the French falling back on Toro. Pressing forward upon their numerous enemies, the British forced them to quit one position after another, until the legions of France were concentrated in the plain of _Vittoria_, under Joseph Bonaparte, titular King of Spain, where they prepared to oppose the victorious career of the allied army. In the battle of the 21st of June the FIFTY-THIRD formed part of the centre column, under the immediate command of Lord Wellington, and their bearing throughout the day, which ended in the complete overthrow and discomfiture of the French army, was afterwards rewarded with the Royal authority to bear the word "VITTORIA" on the colours of the regiment. Their loss was four men killed and six wounded. The following officers served at the battle of Vittoria,--viz.: _Colonel_ G. R. Bingham. _Captains_ O. G. Fehrszen and James Mackay. _Lieutenants_ C. F. Hunter, Thomas Impett, James Hamilton, Thomas Dowker, and John Fraser. _Ensigns_ George Fitzgerald, Michael Nagle, and John Wilton. _Adjutant_ John Carss. _Surgeon_ Thomas Sandell; _Assistant-Surgeon_ Charles MacLean. Volunteer John Fernandez. From the field of battle the FIFTY-THIRD followed the rear of the defeated French army to the vicinity of Pampeluna, and were afterwards employed in the attempt to intercept General Clauzel's French division, which had not been at the battle of Vittoria: this body of troops having escaped by the pass of Jaca, the FIFTY-THIRD were employed in the blockade of Pampeluna; but were relieved by the Spaniards in the middle of July, and advanced into the Pyrenean mountains, where they were stationed in support of the troops occupying the head of the pass of Roncesvalles.